POPSUGAR Celebrity

5 Crisp and Refreshing Beers We Can't Get Enough Of

Mar 29 2013 - 2:30pm

Warmer days and longer nights have us craving crisp, fruity brews with near-alarming intensity; thankfully, we've found a handful of options that fit the bill. Keep reading for five picks that will see you through Spring happy hours — and beyond — in style.

Anchor California Lager

We're admittedly partial to anything local favorite Anchor Brewing brews up, but bias aside, this robust lager [1] is an excellent option for those looking to branch out into heavier styles of beer, like IPAs. Prominent notes of toasted hops invite on first whiff, giving way to a flavor that's a hair more bitter than the typical lager, ending with a crisp and refreshing finish. Bonus: a portion of the proceeds from Anchor California Lager case sales will support a new partnership with the California State Parks Foundation [2].

He'Brew Hop Manna IPA

Kitschy name aside, Shmaltz Brewing Company's beers mean business — the company just opened its own New York State production brewery, and its delightfully floral Hop Manna IPA [3] even took home a gold medal at the World Beer Championships. While this brew has many positive attributes, we most appreciated how drinkable it is while maintaining a complex bitter finish typical of the style.

Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer

A bit earthier, less fizzy, and spicier than nonalcoholic ginger beer, Crabbie's [4] is otherwise a near-perfect analogue to the refreshing soda and could be subbed for that 1:1 in cocktails. We'll be trying it in a dark and stormy [5], as well as sipping it over ice with a squeeze of lime for a lighter option.

Pliny the Elder

Pliny the Elder [6] and its elusive sister-brew Pliny the Younger are practically cult favorites amongst beer aficionados, and for good reason. Crack a bottle open, and a grassy-green, hop-forward aroma wafts out, followed by notes of orange zest and clove for a complex perfume; take a sip, and those flavors linger on the palate, with a bitter, almost tannic finish. While lovely sipped without food, we're even more eager to pair it with a rich and meaty dish like Cuban mojo pork [7] or a platter of assorted charcuterie.

Trumer Pils

Our day-drinking-friendly, picnic pick of the bunch, Trumer Pils [8] hits a perfect balance of crisp and malty and has a lingering, pleasant bitter finish. We'll be enjoying a bottle throughout the balmy Spring and Summer seasons.